Page 2 of 25 · complaints 51–100 of 1,249

2020 Ford Explorer complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA about this vehicle, newest first and reproduced as filed. They are unverified accounts: one proves nothing, and a pattern across many is the thing worth reading. Back to the full 2020 record →

Air Bags
Filed Aug 26, 2026TX

The dash skin covering is deboning and lifting and it’s very concerning that the airbags might be compromised from inflating in an accident.

Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings
Filed Aug 26, 2026OH

I am writing to formally express serious concerns regarding the safety of a Ford vehicle that continues to carry a 5-star safety rating despite multiple known, safety-critical defects that emerged after relatively low mileage. Two major issues developed between approximately 62,000 and 72,000 miles. Both are documented by Ford Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs), yet neither has been addressed through a formal recall. My vehicle’s warranty expired at 60,000 miles, leaving me responsible for more than $3,000 in out-of-pocket repair costs. Issue 1 – Front axle seal leak (TSB 23-2174) The front axle seal began leaking fluid. According to the TSB, the original affordable seal is no longer available, requiring replacement of the entire axle assemblies at a cost of approximately $2,000. Failure to complete this repair risks axle lock-up and a potential collision. Issue 2 – All-wheel-drive module ground wire omission (TSB 23-2061) Ford failed to install a required ground wire on the AWD module. This caused multiple warning lights to illuminate, including powertrain failure and collision-assist system failure. I refused to allow my wife and children to ride in the vehicle throughout the winter because of these critical warnings. The repair, which required replacement of the AWD module, cost more than $1,000. These are not minor inconveniences. An axle that can lock up, loss of AWD capability in hazardous conditions, and the simultaneous failure of collision-assist systems present clea

Power Train
Filed Aug 25, 202679,000 milesTX

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that whenever the transmission shifted into sixth gear, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended, and the vehicle was shaking erratically. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a transmission parking system failure. The contact was informed that the failure was associated with an unrepaired recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that the parts were unavailable. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V402000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 79,000.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Aug 24, 2026IN

The passenger headlight low beam does not work.This has been identified by an Independent service center. The Check Headlight System message shows on dashboard. Bought the car in 2023 and the headlight has not worked for 2 years. When driving at night I only have one headlight that works this poses a risk to myself and others. The entire headlight assembly must be replaced.

Engine
Filed Aug 21, 2026TN

While driving down a main road, the speed limit changed from 40 to 55 mph. When the gas pedal was pushed, the car violently jerked, did not speed up, and proceeded to have a grinding sound emitting from the engine. No warning lights appeared. The grinding noise continued until the vehicle was placed in neutral and back in drive. We began looking into it and found a recall for the transmission. We contacted a local dealership and were told that they would not be able to inspect or address the issue until Ford issues a remedy (projected to be 8-11 months from now). Since then, the car has experienced harsh upshifting, hesitation with acceleration, jerking, and grinding along with significant rolling when put in park and let off the brake. We contacted Ford directly with no avail. No one has had any advice to “help” with the issue until Ford decides to issue the remedy. We have essentially been told to either park it and continue to make payments on something that is of no use, or to keep driving it and go until it stops. The concern is we have two small children and can not risk engine/transmission failure while driving down the road. The safety of our children comes before anything else, and this vehicle no longer provides safety for them.

Wheels › Lugs/Nuts/Bolts/Studs
Filed Aug 21, 202657,065 milesCA

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed on a six-hour trip, the low tire message was displayed, and the tire quickly deflated. The contact slowed down and pulled into a service center and inflated the tire. The vehicle was then driven without failure. While pulling into a parking lot, the driver's side rear wheel detached from the vehicle. The previous tire lug nut had been factored out for installation at a tire center. The towing company became aware that all five bolts had sheared off, and some of the bolts were in the parking lot. The vehicle was inspected by the local dealer, and it was determined that the rear passenger’s side wheel was missing lug nuts as well. The contact stated that three of the five lug nuts had sheared off. The failure recurred. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 57,065.

Power Train
Filed Aug 21, 2026AZ

Illuminated powertrain malfunction (wrench) indicator with DTCs C00A6 and C0631, caused by failure of the front axle disconnect actuator/intermediate shaft on an AWD 2020 Explorer at 46,821 miles. The vehicle displayed the wrench light along with "Service AdvanceTrac," "4WD Fault," "Hill Start Assist Not Available," and "Pre-Collision Assist Not Available." Multiple driver-assistance and stability systems disabled themselves simultaneously, including AdvanceTrac stability control and pre-collision braking. Loss of stability control and automatic emergency braking without warning is a safety concern, particularly at highway speed. The fault was intermittent at first. The dealer had the vehicle five days and could not duplicate it. Within a week of getting it back the condition became nearly constant. The repair is Ford TSB 25-2568, which replaces the front axle disconnect actuator/intermediate shaft with a revised, non-disconnecting design and a new halfshaft. Ford has published this bulletin repeatedly since spring 2023 — 23-2114, then 23-2174 (July 2023), then 25-2373, then 25-2568 (January 2026) — for 2020-2021 Explorer and Aviator AWD vehicles built on or before 30-Aug-2021. Ford has redesigned the part and eliminated the disconnect feature entirely, but has issued no recall or customer satisfaction program. Because this vehicle is out of factory warranty by age at 46,821 miles, the roughly $2,500 repair fell to me. I request that NHTSA review whether a known design defect

Power Train
Filed Aug 19, 2026TN

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V675000 (Power Train), 25V093000 (Seat Belts), 26V402000 (Power Train), and 26V451000 (Seats) and would like to be removed from the recall distribution list. The local dealer and manufacturer were contacted.

Power Train
Filed Aug 18, 2026IL

My car was banging into gear when downshifting. I took to the ford dealer and they told me it was TSB 20-2337 a known issue. My warranty had just expired and I had to pay out of pocket for the damages. If this is a known issue, it should be covered by ford not an out of pocket expense. I was told by the dealer if may turn into a recall and if it does, I can they get reimbursed for it. How can a known issue be the consumer's responsibility to pay for when there is a flaw in their building of this expensive vehicle. I do not even have 70k miles and the transmission is failing??

Power Train
Filed Aug 17, 2026102,000 milesFL

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal grinding sound coming from the vehicle, and while the accelerator pedal was depressed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed. No warning lights were illuminated. The failure had occurred on several occasions. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V402000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed; however, the cause of the failure was not yet determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle shuddered and failed to accelerate above 40 MPH. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer to be diagnosed; however, the cause of the failure was not yet determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle shuddered abnormally. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer to be diagnosed, and it was determined that there was an unknown black fluid inside the transmission. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The dealer stated that the failure was not associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V402000 (Power Train). The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure m

Structure › Body1 injured
Filed Aug 15, 2026WA

On August 14, 2026, the power liftgate on my 2020 Forde Explorer unexpectedly began closing while I was loading my dog into a kennel in the rear cargo area. I did not press the liftgate close button and no one else activated a liftgate control. My key fob was inside my purse on the front seat of the vehicle. The liftgate came down while I was underneath it and struck me directly on the head. The impact knocked me to the ground. I saw stars and was confused immediately afterward and sustained a scalp laceration with significant bleeding. I did not lose consciousness and did not require stitches. One person directly witnessed the incident and was also struck by the closing liftgate. Because the liftgate struck my head first, its force was reduced before it contacted the other person, who was not injured. Other people arrived immediately afterward and can confirm my condition following the impact and that the key was in my purse on the front seat. This was not the first time this has happened. It has occurred on multiple occasions while loading without intentionally activating. I have been hit in the head before but not enough to cause bleeding. The incident occurred Friday evening on 8/14/2026. Vehicle has not yet been inspected because the service department is closed for the weekend. I plan to contact Ford once open on Monday. I am reporting this because I am concerned there may be a defect involving unintended activation of the power/hands-free liftgate and/or its safety obs

Power Train
Filed Aug 14, 2026PA

Vehicle started hard shifting while driving and noticed hard shifts when slowing down. Vehicle then began to lose power while driving. Display screen has issues at times screen will only display blue or stay in backup camera mode.

Power Train
Filed Aug 7, 2026114,000 milesNY

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V402000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission was shifting roughly. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and it was determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 114,000.

Power Train
Filed Aug 5, 2026CT

My 2020 ford Explorer had several issues with the hill assist, TCM control, power train malfunctions, it shifted very hard between first and second gear, at times it felt like it wouldn't accelerate at all and would pop into gear at higher speeds. I took it to Family Ford of Enfield several times for repairs which never fixed the overall problem. After several times at Family Ford of Enfield, I continued to drive my vehicle because my trusted dealership kept telling me the car was repaired. Now my vehicle needs a new transmission at 100% my cost.

Electrical System
Filed Aug 5, 2026100,000 milesTX

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced intermittent starting failures, and upon starting the vehicle and shifting into gear, the vehicle shut off. No warning light illuminated. Additionally, the electronic parking brake was unintendely engaged. The contact replaced the battery; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by a dealer or an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

Power Train
Filed Aug 3, 202654,000 milesMI

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V402000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the vehicle made an abnormal sound while downshifting, with a loud boom coming from the underbody of the vehicle. The vehicle was bouncing while downshifting from 4th gear to 3rd, 2nd, and into 1st gear. The failure reoccurred while downshifting. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired by the dealer. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic, and the transmission was replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 54,000.

Service Brakes
Filed Jul 30, 2026TX

I experienced catastrophic brake failure on July 14 2026. Total loss of brakes that led me to narrowly miss several vehicles. The Ford Dealership in Manor TX stated it needed the brake booster replaced and program reset. After researching this is a problem with my VIN that was offered free replacement until 2022 this should be a total unexpired recall. I could have lost my life or someone eles! It’s part of the Customer Satisfaction Program 20B51:

Suspension
Filed Jul 29, 2026TX

I keep feeling a clunk or thump towards the back of the car at random times, towards the back axle. Sometimes it's when i stop and drive forward, other times it happens while I am just driving normally, usually at slow speeds around 5-45mph. I have an extended warranty and the ford dealer has said they can;t replicate it and want to give my car back until it gets worse, and then try fix it. I am highly concerned about this process....

Air Bags
Filed Jul 28, 2026NC

The dash board has a little split where the air bag is located. The split is in a line of or a crease of the outline of the air bag. I took it to the dealership and they were clueless. They recommended someone to fix it, but since it was closely related to the airbag I can't find anybody to work on it. This happened about a year ago it just appeared and each year I think it's getting larger.

Power Train
Filed Jul 28, 202690,000 milesCT

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V402000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked back and forth and then stalled. No warning light was illuminated. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to a transmission specialist; however, the cause of the failure could not be determined. The dealer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

Power Train
Filed Jul 28, 2026100,000 milesTX

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V402000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35-55 MPH and coming to a stop, the vehicle shuddered and jerked. The contact stated that the failure also occurred while driving from a complete stop. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

Power Train
Filed Jul 28, 202694,600 milesNC

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The contact stated that while decelerating to approximately 25–30 MPH, the vehicle jerked abnormally. No warning lights were illuminated. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that parts were unavailable to repair the vehicle. The vehicle was later taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with an incorrect response from the immobilizer control module. The contact was advised not to continue driving the vehicle. The contact relayed the diagnostic information to the dealer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V402000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that the repair could be paid out of pocket with a possible reimbursement whenever the parts became available. The failure mileage was approximately 94,600.

Electrical System
Filed Jul 27, 2026IN

My wife was driving and the horn started blowing and the rear wiper started ejecting all the wiper fluid. When I showed up to assist, it smelled super hot and I had to pull the fuse and negative lead to make the wiper pump and horn stop. It was towed to a Ford dealer, who found the main engine harness had MELTED going into the engine compartment fuse box. The horn and wiper fluid pump also had to be replaced. It's fortunate this did not result in a fire. Ford dealer had the vehicle for TWO MONTHS to repair (and we had to take it back for the horn and washer pump). The Ford dealer said they could not give any reason for why this happened. The entire main harness and fuse panel had to be replaced. No check engine or warning lights appeared when this happened. My wife had to pull over on the side of the road.

Power Train
Filed Jul 25, 2026OK

Back in 2026 I bought a vehicle from Wild West Ford in Guymon ok about three weeks after I bought the vehicle there was a safety recall on it for the rear axle bolt. Ever since the recall was done, I noticed a significant change in my vehicle rear and it shook real bad. basically I was eating my tires and so I took about to wild West and they told me to go get alignment done so I went and got an alignment done, and it still was doing it and I had taken it to at least four different Ford dealerships across two different states and they all told me that there is nothing wrong with my vehicle, so I looked it up on the forum in the procedure on how the recall was done and i find out that the bushing was improperly installed. One of The ford dealership is the one who send me a picture of the bushing even starting to rip. Please help my kids ride in this vehicle everyday and Wild West claimed the recall but did it completely wrong and refuses to fix it so I took it to different dealerships and with each dealership, I specifically asked them to re-look into the recall because I feel like it was done wrong and they all said that it was all up to four specs in the end. there was nothing wrong with it, but here’s the proof that it is so how do I get my vehicle fixed?

Engine
Filed Jul 24, 2026TX

I drove to work with no issues, lights or warnings. I parked and worked for 7 hours. Upon leaving and cranking the engine, it immediately showed overheated and went into limp mode. I drove it less than 100Ft, parked and called for a tow. There was no puddles or other indications of an issue. Upon towing to the closest dealership, I was informed the oil cooler failed putting coolant into the oil and "scorching" the engine and I need an entire new engine. The dealership confirmed there wouldn't be any warning lights of this happening.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jul 24, 2026MD

The edges of the fabric sunroof cover have come off the tracks, causing the sunroof cover to not roll up properly and block the rear window when open.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jul 23, 2026MI

I own a 2020 Ford Explorer Platinum equipped with Adaptive LED Headlamps. The passenger-side low-beam headlamp intermittently failed and would turn off while driving. The vehicle displayed the warning message, **"Check Headlamp System – See Manual."** Initially, the headlamp would occasionally begin working again after restarting the vehicle, but for approximately the past three months, the passenger-side low beam has remained inoperative. The failed component is the passenger-side adaptive headlamp assembly and related headlamp system. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. This creates a significant safety concern because nighttime visibility is reduced with only one functioning low-beam headlamp. It also makes it more difficult for other drivers to see my vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash, especially on dark roads or during poor weather conditions. The warning message first appeared before the headlamp permanently failed. The problem was intermittent at first but has progressively worsened until the passenger-side low beam no longer functions. I have learned that numerous owners of higher-trim Ford Explorers equipped with Adaptive LED Headlamps have reported experiencing the same issue. I understand that similar complaints have already been submitted to NHTSA. The replacement cost is extremely expensive and often requires replacement of the entire adaptive headlamp assembly, leaving owners to pay out of pocket for what appears to be a widespread defect

Equipment
Filed Jul 22, 2026AK

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V685000 (Equipment), 26V117000 (Visibility), and 26V402000 (Power Train); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact was concerned that the incomplete recalls presented significant safety risks, specifically because the contact resided in Alaska, where it rained constantly with low temperatures. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Jul 21, 2026TX

The front windshield wiper motor on my 2020 Ford Explorer is experiencing severe intermittent failure and physical binding/clunking while in operation, resulting in a total loss of front visibility while driving in rain. This failure matches the exact root cause and symptoms described in Ford Safety Recall 26S14 / NHTSA Campaign 26V117 (intermittent wiper function progressing to complete electrical continuity failure due to internal terminal misalignment). However, Ford claims my specific VIN falls just outside their designated production date window, leaving my vehicle uncovered under the safety recall despite suffering from the identical defect. Although Ford confirmed there is an active Customer Satisfaction Program (CSP) listed for my vehicle's wiper motor, severe supply chain restrictions and dealership backlogs have prevented repairs. Ford has placed a restricted distribution hold on replacement motors, preventing independent shops and local dealers from securing parts, while requiring a multi-day diagnostic wait during which I am expected to drive a vehicle with non-functioning wipers. Driving a vehicle with active, unpredictable wiper failure poses an immediate safety hazard and severe crash risk. Ford's refusal to expand recall coverage or immediately supply unrestricted safety components leaves vehicle owners exposed to hazardous driving conditions. Furthermore, customers face a mandatory four-day intake period solely for vehicle diagnostics. To qualify for a wiper

Power TrainCrash
Filed Jul 21, 202687,159 milesTN

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 23V675000 (Power Train), 26V117000 (Visibility), and 26V402000 (Power Train); however, parts for the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle with the foot on the brake pedal, the gear shifter was shifted to park(P), and the vehicle unexpectedly reversed and crashed into a nearby brick mailbox and came to a stop. There were no injuries or medical attention needed. A Police report was not filed. The contact stated that the vehicle rolled while parking the vehicle. The dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not available for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 87,159.

Seats
Filed Jul 21, 2026CA

My Ford explorer has a 3rd row headrest stuck in a down position. So, the passengers head will not be supported in a whiplash situation. I have found many complaints on this issue but cant find what should be a very important safety recall.

Power Train
Filed Jul 21, 2026OK

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V402000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer and Sam Wampler's Freedom Ford of McAlester (720 S George Nigh Expy, McAlester, OK 74501); were contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jul 21, 2026KY

States “apply parking break before exiting” recall listed but not available. unable to drive vehicle

Power Train
Filed Jul 20, 202676,000 milesSC

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V402000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that while driving and decelerating to merge onto the highway, the brake pedal was depressed and the vehicle felt as if the vehicle had been struck in the rear. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on several occasions while decelerating between 25-30 MPH. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 76,000.

Power Train
Filed Jul 17, 2026100,000 milesVA

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the parking brake and hill assist warning lights and several other unknown warning lights intermittently illuminated. Several dealers were contacted; however, no appointments were available. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V402000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

Power Train
Filed Jul 17, 2026114,000 milesMI

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the transmission unexpectedly shifted to park(P). The transmission was inoperable after the failure. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and was diagnosed with transmission failure. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign number: 26V402000 (Power Train). The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle could be repaired out of pocket because the part was not yet available, and then to submit documents for reimbursement after the part became available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 114,000.

Power Train
Filed Jul 17, 2026WI

While traveling uphill in a turn on a county highway the 4WD fault notification arrived on the dash cutting power to the front 2 wheels. The vehicle slipped however was able to regain control. If road condition had been poor I could of slipped into on coming traffic causing a wreck. I took the vehicle to the dealership and they identified that the front axle disconnect actuator was failing and needed to be replaced. Two weeks prior to the code appearing, I had two episodes of unusual binding while in reverse. Ford has issued a TSB long ago to fix this failed design however will not fix it until it fails.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Catalytic Convertor
Filed Jul 15, 202685,000 milesGA

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 85 MPH, there was an abnormal popping and grinding sound coming from underneath the vehicle. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and became aware that the flex pipe with a part of the catalytic converter attached was touching the ground. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed and it was determined that the catalytic converter had sheared off in half, and the left side of the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000. The VIN was not available.

Power Train
Filed Jul 15, 2026VA

While operating the vehicle it is jerking like the parking brake is activating or jerking transitioning from first and second gear. Received an alert: The powertrain control system has detected a transmission fluid over temperature condition. The engine continues to operate at a reduced power level.

Power Train
Filed Jul 14, 2026116,781 milesAL

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted and failed to shift properly. The contact stated that the failure was a recurring failure. The dealer was contacted, and the vehicle was diagnosed with transmission failure. The vehicle was not repaired because parts for the repair were not available. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V402000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 116,781.

Power Train
Filed Jul 14, 2026127,000 milesOH

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while his daughter was depressing the accelerator pedal to drive from a stop, the vehicle failed to respond, and the transmission failed to properly shift to the next gear and the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. An independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was out of warranty. The approximate failure mileage was 127,000.

Engine
Filed Jul 13, 2026NJ

The part that is affected is the engine/transmission. When the temperature outside reaches approximately 45 degrees Fahrenheit, the engine seizes upon starting and it will not engage in gear until it is warmed up. That's take anywhere from 5-10 min. If its not fully warmed and you try to go in reverse or drive forward, the car does a hard jump and jerk rendering the vehicle hard to steer . The engine seizes in the cold making it dangerous also, if you were in an emergency situation you would not be able to move your vehicle. It has been to the Ford dealership several times. A complaint filed with Ford motor company and the issue is still NOT fixed. Parts were fixed in the engine but the problem still exists. I live in [XXX] where its cold 6-7 mints out of the year, especially overnights the temps go below 45. I would like this issue addressed and fixed properly with a new engine, but Ford has not done even given the amount of times its been in their shop with the same issue They had my car for a month and still didnt fix it properly. Its an unsafe vehicle to drive INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Power Train
Filed Jul 13, 2026WV

The vehicle downshifts hard while driving at regular speeds, revving the engine. As you drive, you can feel it downshifting heavily. The transmission now has metal in it and is undriveable.

Seats › Mid/Rear Assembly › Head Restraint1 injured
Filed Jul 13, 2026110,000 milesAR

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while her son was positioned in the third-row seat, the head restraint unexpectedly slammed down on the tip of his left index finger. As a result, he sustained a severe injury that required immediate medical attention. The injury required 6 to 8 stitches, and the child also required surgery. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.

Power TrainCrash
Filed Jul 7, 2026CO

The vehicle was parked on a slight incline and they were inside the vehicle rolled away and struck a fire hydrant. The vehicle was in park and rolled down the hill and struck multiple stationary objects.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jul 7, 2026OH

Explorers moon roof shad came of track and I was unaware and could not see behind my in my rear view camera. Also was covering my infant child's face when it drooped down instead of rolling back.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jul 6, 2026TX

I contacted a Ford Dealerhip for recall work on XXX. There are multiple outstanding recalls on this VIN, and the dealership refused to make the required repairs. The dealership's name is [XXX] @ 22702 TX-249, Tomball, TX 77375. I have supporting text message correspondence substantiating my claims. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Service Brakes
Filed Jul 6, 2026GA

Had recall for parking brake fixed, soon after I’d be on interstate or intersection and it would lose power wrench and check power train system light came on. Took to dealership and they said it was parking pawl sylenuod. Had repaired left the shop didn’t even get home and it did the same: Mechanic said it was gas pedal sensor repaired that and same thing happened it may go real fast or not go . I worked for uber and lyft and have been out of work for a few months. Car setting at dealership and the say I need to pay for a new power train module because my cars lost it brains. So I got recall fixed and my cars went to hell in a hand basket. Now another recall is issued but no resolution. It is a huge safety issue when your gas pedal gets a not responsive to your foot touching the pedal then it accelerating without touching the gas pedal. I’m lucky I didn’t die in it. This year model just needs to be lemoned out. Oh also when it starts messing up airbag not working driver assist not working all the safety features go haywire. I feel 💯 sure this is all related to the recall and ford will be hearing from me or a lawyer one.

Power Train
Filed Jul 3, 2026LA

The transmission malfunctioned on the Interstate. The car started jumping and then would slow way down to about 33 MPH with the RPM's super high and then kick back in and speed up super fast and I would have to brake constantly. I almost hit the car in front of me at one point. A different point in the same trip the car behind me had to slam on it's brakes to stop from hitting me when the car lost power. I got off the Interstate at the very next exit and took back roads home. The transmission has been inspected by a Ford Dealership and they said it was the transmission going out. At first there were no warning lights and after it started jumping and starting. Then a few days later the engine light and power train warning lights came on.

Power Train
Filed Jul 2, 2026NC

The transmission shifts into park while driving causing the vehicle to jerk and slow down or stall. I contacted Ford and they stated that this was not a safety issue and that this was an advance notice and that no remedy is available until June 2027. They refused to provide a loaner vehicle until this time when the recall is "released". June of 2027 is a year from now and I drive this car daily with small kids and I am afraid that this vehicle will stall while driving and cause harm or death to my family members.

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NHTSA publishes every complaint as the owner wrote it and investigates only a fraction. Spelling, capitalisation and judgement are the filer’s own. What carries weight is repetition: the same component failing the same way across many filings, and whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Full record for the 2020 Ford Explorer → · Every Explorer year → · How the figures are calculated →